Victoria Strauss, in a Writer Beware blog posting, (PublishAmerica and CBA: Rowling Redux) voiced her opposition to a recent promotion by her archenemy . . . PublishAmerica. At first blush, it appears that Publish America was/is attempting to package their authors books (for a fee) in a coordinated attempt for consideration by the CBA’s (Christian Booksellers Association) “Christian Store Week.”

We do not see anything that suggests that there is some sort of relationship between the CBA and PublishAmerica. We also do not see anything that suggests that PublishAmerica implied that they had a relationship with the CBA. In fact, there doesn’t appear to be anything illegitimate by PublishAmerica to promote their authors (regardless of whether they charge a fee to do so). Also, they readily admit that there is no relationship with the CBA and they do not promise any specific results. It appears to be solely a promotion.

What’s the problem with this? The CBA issued a “warning” on their web site stating as follows:

“CBA has been informed that Christian authors are being contacted by an organization called PublishAmerica that’s soliciting for authors to submit their books to a sales/marketing catalog that they claim will be going to CBA. Please be aware that CBA has no knowledge of PublishAmerica; that PublishAmerica is not connected to Christian Store Week; and that CBA has no agreement of any kind with PublishAmerica, nor is CBA affiliated in any way, shape, or form with that organization.”

Victoria Strauss readily admitted that the solicitation by PublishAmerica was forwarded to the CBA. However, the “warning” issued by the CBA is not a Cease and Desist (C&D) nor is there any indication that one was ever sent to PublishAmerica. (Note to Victoria Strauss: These would be great writings to share with the reading public vs. just stating that x and y occurred. For example, see how we previous refuted a statement of your’s here. Proofs will add to the validity of statements. “Show . . . don’t tell.”)

We do not see anything wrong with an alternative publisher soliciting its authors in this promotional effort regarding “Christian Store Week.” Are we missing something here? Victoria Strauss’ article makes it appear that there is some sort of wrong-doing here. This kind of promotional activity is performed by many organizations; what is the issue here? Is the CBA really “not amused” as indicated byVictoria Strauss? Or, are they just saying that they have no relationship with PublishAmerica? Didn’t PublishAmerica “warn” their authors as well in their disclaimer? Also, they didn’t promise any specific results:

“DISCLAIMER: PublishAmerica has no affiliation with the CBA and/or individual Christian bookstores beyond that of a regular publisher/bookseller relationship, without preferential access or other special treatment. No specific result from PublishAmerica’s best efforts to represent and promote its authors and their books is suggested or guaranteed.”

Now comes P.N. Elrod who somehow <<we’re shaking our heads>> translates the “warning” into a “Cease & Desist” letter that was issued to PublishAmerica:

“It’s only criminal if they continue to give the offer after getting a C&D from the party whose name is being used. Most are unaware of the use of their name until someone lets them know what’s going on.”

Clearly, there was never a C&D issued. In addition, it appears that PublishAmerica wasn’t “using” the CBA’s name and was/is only offering to submit the promotional material of their authors for consideration for “Christian Stores Week.” P.N. Elrod continues to walk down a path of twisted storytelling and fabrications. We predict that karma is going to sneak up on P.N. Elrod and these ongoing activities real soon.

The Write Agenda supports watchdog activity provided that it is true. In this instance, P.N. Elrod is following the trail left by fellow “weiner dog” Victoria Strauss; who’s own needlework on the fabric of truthfulness still remains in question (click here).

Update 9/30/11: Preditor & Editor blogger, David L. Kuzminski, (you know the guy that was sued before and is begging for “donations” to his defense fund [click here]) somehow <<shaking our heads>> read into the PA offering that PA stated that they “have a contract.” They do not and they readily stated as much. This is another example of how the “weiner dogs” fabricate stories for their own purpose:

“9/21/11: The Christian Booksellers Association has sent out a warning that Publish America is ‘contacting Christian authors and telling them that they have a contract with CBA that will go public next week. According to a CBA contact, Publish America demands $49 to get on a list and in a catalogue that Publish America is giving to CBA and CBA will submit this list of authors/catalogue to all CBA members and because of this alleged contract the CBA member stores will buy from the authors listed.’ The ‘promotion’ is supposedly in conjunction with the upcoming Christian Store Week. At this rate, can God be far behind in issuing a warning about PA?” [Emphasis added.]

(Click on picture to enlarge.)

The actual quote (i.e. “warning”) from the CBA states as follows:

“CBA has been informed that Christian authors are being contacted by an organization called PublishAmerica that’s soliciting for authors to submit their books to a sales/marketing catalog that they claim will be going to CBA. Please be aware that CBA has no knowledge of PublishAmerica; that PublishAmerica is not connected to Christian Store Week; and that CBA has no agreement of any kind with PublishAmerica, nor is CBA affiliated in any way, shape, or form with that organization.”

Now, exactly where does it say that The Christian Booksellers Association has sent out a warning that Publish America is “contacting Christian authors and telling them that they have a contract” with CBA? It doesn’t . . . there’s your “News Flash.” Also, if David L. Kuzminski is posting a quote that he has attributed as coming from The Christian Booksellers Association but it actually has not come from The Christian Booksellers Association . . . who is he quoting? You can’t make this stuff up unless you’re a “weiner dog.”

Readers, try this as further evidence of David L Kuzminski’s erroneous attribution skills: Google the entire quote that David L Kuzminski posted in his “News Flash” that purportedly came from the The Christian Booksellers Association (see above). What will you discover? You will not find any results that take you to The Christian Booksellers Association. However, you will have Google results that will take you to the sites in the picture below (see photo below); none of which are connected to The Christian Booksellers Association. Primary source material? No, not hardly. In fact, one source in this Google result is currently being sued by PublishAmerica. Therefore, if David L Kuzminski is not quoting The Christian Booksellers Association correctly (which he is not), ask yourself: A) did he himself make this quote up? Or, B) is he quoting one of the sources in this Google search which also cannot be attributed to The Christian Booksellers Association? This is exactly how the want-to-be “watch-dogs” turn into “weiner dogs.” Trivial you may ask? Hardly. Is it any wonder at all why David L Kuzminski was sued and lost? When will this weiner dog ever learn?